Ok so that got your attention!  Warhammer Online is the featured game for this month better known as WAR.  Its official release date is September 18^th.  This game is based off of the tabletop game from Games Workshop, Warhammer.  You will have your usual cast of characters such as High Elves, Dark Elves, Dwarfs, Chaos, Empire, and my personal favorite Greenskins, which are the Goblins and Orcs.  WAR is an MMO or massively multiplayer online game that may be played with hundreds, thousands or even for some games such as World of Warcraft millions of players all through out the world.

Gameplay is based on Realm vs. Realm or RvR, which means you’ll be already playing with others from the same Realm off the bat.  The whole concept behind WAR is total war meaning you will find war wherever you go.  Whether it be against PVE or player vs. environment or PVP player vs. player there will be something for everyone.  This game though excels in the realms of PVP.  It is more geared to do battles against players then it is the typical WOW grind.  There is an endless questing system that I think is far more advanced in the aspects that the game will actually show you on your map where quests need to be completed.  No more scratching your head and wasting time.  Asides the questing system there are advanced guild features such as creating unique heraldry and the ability to capture and claim keeps, plus earn Guild Tactics that every member will achieve as their guild grows more powerful.

The world of Warhammer Online consists of several zones from the colorful, pristine landscapes of High Elfs (yes it’s Elfs not Elves when it comes to WAR) to the savage, desolate wastelands of Chaos.  Each starting location all depends on the race you select during the character setup.  The races of WAR are divided into two factions, Order and Destruction.  I would not call either one good or evil since once you play you’ll get a better understanding that each race have their own agenda.  There are 6 races each with a few career selections. 

That’s only the beginning for this game.  Asides your typical questing going from point A to point B, there are also Public Quests or PQs.  They are quests that any number of players may participate in and is typically has a time factor.  Players that place at the top with each task gets to roll for some loot or rewards.  Nonetheless everyone is a winner by earning Influence for their participation and can spend those points with associated Influence Rewards.  So the more you participate the more points you’ll receive to use on those rewards.  There will be times where certain quests will be available to be shared among group members.

The great part about WAR is your ability to customize your character through their individual abilities.  Not all Greenskins or Dwarfs are the same though they may have similarities.  There are Tactics that you earn as you achieve higher ranks, which will enhance your fighting skills.  There are several Tactics to choose from for different situations and you will receive a few available slots of Tactics as you rank up.  That allows for several combinations to add flavor to your arsenal.  The next ability is Morale abilities.  These are powerful abilities earned during combat.  You need to charge up your Morale while in battle then you’ll be able to activate them.  Again there are several to use but all depends on which ones you’ve earned as you rank up.

It doesn’t stop there with abilities.  Each career has what WAR calls Career Mastery.  There are 3 Career Mastery paths that players get to choose from each with their own strengths and specializations.  For example if a player selects a Greenskin Shaman and wants to focus on becoming a fulltime healer that’s possible or if they want to focus on devastating spells against their opponent then that’s available too.  The possibilities are incredible.

Is this game really a WOW killer?  There are tons of opinions on this matter but no one can ever say when it comes to these MMO games.  We will have to wait and see once it’s released.  As an elder beta tester and Prima guide author, I must say I’ve enjoyed every bit of WAR.  For now hang tight, wait for the release, and get ready for some WAAAGH!